Lucy Isabel: All the Light

Who is ready for some delightful, airy folk music? If you raised your hand, please turn your attention to All the Light, the sophomore LP from Lucy Isabel. 10 songs deep, All the Light feels more personal than a lot of the music one hears on Top 40 radio. There’s a heart and a deal of messages strewn together on this album that makes it feel like you’ve opened up Lucy Isabel’s journals and read her innermost thoughts. Don’t feel weird about it as Lucy welcomes listeners with open arms right from the press of play. 

Being of a particular age, I grew up during the Disney Renaissance. Those not familiar with that term, it’s the era of Disney that kicked off with The Little Mermaid and was very Broadway-inspired. This is why that particular decade of movies is still considered the cream of the crop, but that’s all to say that Lucy Isabel starts this record off with a song that could have very well been in one of those movies in the ‘90s. “Better Life” reminded me of something Belle from Beauty and the Beast would’ve sung as she started to realize Beast wasn’t so bad. Not just because it had this realization feel to it, but the way Lucy relayed it was so charming yet poignant; very much like a lot of those particular musical moments in Disney films. Later on the record, “Where It Lies” also gives that same animated feel, but on a more ballad level. 

Speaking of, “Where It Lies” was one of the instances in which Lucy Isabel slowed things down and showcased her vulnerability vocally. Lyrically though, that’s what this album was all about with songs like “My Memory.” Other songs that stood out lyrically for that reason were “Magpie” and “The Right Choice” where she laments about how getting older has made her ego die down. As far as songs that made me want to dive deeper into her discography, those were the upbeat ways of “Miles From Home” and “My Memory” which is where her Americana vibes shined the brightest. 

Lucy Isabel wanted to lean more towards her folk side with All the Light and achieved just that. It’s a record that relishes in personal notes, heartfelt introspection, and a pinch of Americana vibes. Those who like Shawn Colvin and Maria Cameron will find themselves happy with All the Light, out everywhere on October 11th. 

Lucy Isabel All the Light 
Release Date: October 11, 2024
Genre: Americana Folk 
Reasons to Sing Along: “Better Life” and “My Memory”